Carrying Case for e-cigarette

ABSTRACT

A case with a decorative external surface, wherein a hollow, durable cylindrical compartment is provided to store an e-cigarette, covered by a magnetic, flip-top cap comprises a carrying case for an e-cigarette. The case is provided in a range of sizes to fit any e-cigarette, and provides an external clip, enabling the user to secure it to a belt, the edge of a pocket, or the shoulder strap of a backpack, purse, or similar accessory.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/102,956, filed Jan. 13, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to smoking accessories, and specifically to a carrying case for an e-cigarette. Consumers who use e-cigarettes appreciate the convenience of this item, but often have difficulty finding the e-cigarette at the bottom of a handbag or purse. The e-cigarette is also expensive and fragile, normally requiring the user to take extra care to protect it.

A search of the prior art reveals various cases which have been developed to secure e-cigarettes. None are closely related to the present invention, but several include features which resemble those of the present invention. Each has proven to be less than satisfactory in its own way.

Support attachment and cigarette lighter safety device, U.S. Pat. No. 6,099,299 (filed Dec. 13, 1999), provides a device for removably securing an object having a detent to a support. The support includes having a receiver to receive a portion of the perimeter of the object including the detent. The receiver may be cup-shaped. The support further includes a deformable tab disposed which is received by the detent. The tab may be disposed on a prong and the detent may be disposed on the perimeter of a well where the well is shaped to receive the prong. When engaged, the tab couples to said detent to removably secure the object to said support. The support also includes an actuator engaging the deformable tab to decouple the tab from said detent. The support may optionally be coupled to a key chain or a tether. In a second aspect of the invention, the support receives a portion of the perimeter of a cigarette lighter to secure the cigarette lighter from child-tampering and accidental ignition.

Electronic cigarette casing and electronic cigarette device, U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. US2014/0083443 (filed Sep. 21, 2012), provides an electronic cigarette casing which comprises a case body for accommodating electronic cigarettes, a first power supply configured in the case body and a charging control system for controlling the first power supply to charge the electronic cigarettes. The first power supply comprises a farad capacitor. The electronic cigarette casing uses the farad capacitor instead of the traditional batteries to supply electrical power, and can achieve the technical effects of safe and reliable charging and discharging, rapid charging, and more charging and discharging times.

E-cigarette case, U.S. Design Pat. No. D693964 (filed Jan. 15, 2013), provides a specific design or shape for an e-cigarette case.

Combined holder and case for e-cigarette, U.S. Design Pat. No. D735935 (filed Oct. 7, 2013), provides a specific design or shape for an e-cigarette holder and case.

Electronic cigarette case provided with hidden type charging interface, Chinese Patent No. CN204070508 (filed Aug. 1, 2014), provides an electronic cigarette case provided with a hidden type charging interface. The electronic cigarette case provided with the hidden type charging interface comprises a case body. An electricity storage unit and a circuit board with a charging and discharging circuit are arranged inside the case body, and the electricity storage unit is used for providing charging electric energy for an electronic cigarette or a power supply assembly of the electronic cigarette. The electronic cigarette case further comprises the charging interface and a data line arranged inside the case body, wherein the charging interface can be connected with an external power supply and is in electric connection with the charging and discharging circuit through the data line. The case body is provided with a containing groove matched with the charging interface in appearance. When the electricity storage unit does not need to be charged, the charging interface can be contained inside the containing groove. When the electricity storage unit needs to be charged, the charging interface and a part of the data line can be dragged outside of the case body to be connected with the external power supply. According to the electronic cigarette case provided with the hidden type charging interface, a charging data line does not need to be additionally provided, and the trouble that a user forgets the charging data line easily is avoided; besides, the appearance of the electronic cigarette case is not damaged, and the completeness of the appearance of the electronic cigarette case can be kept.

Mobile device case including electronic cigarettes and accessories, U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. US2015/0272215 (filed Mar. 31, 2014), provides systems, devices, and methods effective to receive a battery of an electronic cigarette in a mobile device case. A mobile device may be received in a first portion of the mobile device case in such a way that the mobile device is accessible to a user. The battery of the electronic cigarette may be received in a compartment of a second portion of the mobile device case. The compartment may be formed by one or more walls of the mobile device case. The first portion of the mobile device case may be contiguous with the second portion of the mobile device case.

Case for holding and recharging electronic cigarettes, U.S. Patent App. Pub. No. US2015/0102777 (priority Oct. 11, 2013), provides an apparatus that comprises a rectangular case comprising a container and a top. The top is rotatably coupled to the container, wherein the interior of the container includes at least one battery, one or more electronic cigarette cartridges and a recharging component. The recharging component includes a USB plug, wherein the USB plug is deployable to engage with a USB port external to the container. The recharging component is coupled to the at least one battery through an electrical coupling. The recharging component is operable to recharge the at least one battery when the USB plug is engaged with the USB port. The top rotatably transitions from a closed position to an open position, the open position exposing the one or more electronic cigarette cartridges and the at least one battery for removal.

Electronic cigarette case charger, Chinese Patent No. CN202679020 (filed Jul. 16, 2012), provides an electronic cigarette case charger, which comprises a charger and a battery part, wherein the charger part includes a silicone sleeve, a probe, a shrapnel and a cigarette case fixing piece PCC support. The electronic cigarette case charger is characterized in that the shrapnel and the probe are fixed by the cigarette case fixing piece PCC support, and the battery is connected with the shrapnel after being pressed and then can be charged. The battery on the lower part of a cigarette rod can be pressed into the charger and be charged directly, which is convenient and quick, and the electronic cigarette case charger can be widely used as a charger for various electronic cigarettes.

The present invention has been developed for the purpose of addressing and resolving the disadvantages of the prior art inventions. A carrying case for an e-cigarette, with a fashionable exterior cover and a durable protective compartment to carry the e-cigarette, would resolve these problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention is directed to a carrying case with external clip for an e-cigarette. The case is in the form of a case with a decorative external surface, wherein a hollow, durable cylindrical compartment is provided for the storage of an e-cigarette, covered by a magnetic, flip-top cap. The case is provided in a range of sizes to fit any e-cigarette, and provides an external clip, enabling the user to secure it to a belt, the edge of a pocket, or the shoulder strap of a backpack, purse, or similar accessory.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification. They illustrate one embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the case 10, the cap 12, and the tab 12A.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the case 10, the cap 12, the tab 12A, and the clip 13.

FIG. 3 shows a side perspective transparency view of the first exemplary embodiment, with the cap 12 open, displaying the case 10, the compartment 11, the cap 12, the tab 12A, the clip 13, and the compartment 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the invention in more detail, the invention is directed to a carrying case 10 for an e-cigarette.

The first exemplary embodiment is comprised of a carrying case 10. The case 10 provides a decorative external surface 20, preferably leather with brightly colored stitching. Alternate embodiments featuring different decorative materials for the external surface, such as stainless steel, brushed nickel, or acrylic polymer, are also contemplated. A hollow, durable cylindrical compartment 11 is provided to store an e-cigarette or vape pen, covered by a magnetic, flip-top cap 12. The cap 12 provides a tab 12A on its front surface 21, enabling the user to raise the cap 12 by flipping the tab 12A upward with a fingertip. The case 10 is provided in a range of sizes to fit any e-cigarette, and provides an external clip 13, enabling the user to secure it to a belt, the edge of a pocket, or the shoulder strap of a backpack, purse, or similar accessory. Preferably, the case 10 provides a rounded front surface 22 and a flat rear surface 23.

To use the device, the user inserts an e-cigarette into the compartment 11, and closes the cap 12 using the tab 12A. The user may secure the case 10 to a belt, the edge of a pocket, or the shoulder strap of a purse, backpack, or other accessory, using the clip 13 which is provided. The user may then flip up the tab 12A with a fingertip to open the cap 12, remove the e-cigarette, and use it.

The case 10 is preferably manufactured from a rigid or semi-rigid, durable material with a shock absorbing quality, such as polystyrene or silicone, covered with a rigid or flexible, durable material with a decorative quality, such as leather, brushed nickel, stainless steel, or acrylic polymer. Alternatively, the case 10 may be constructed of a durable canvas or other fabric material, optionally lined with a relatively more rigid insert. The clip 13 is preferably manufactured from a semi-rigid, durable material such as spring steel. Components, component sizes, and materials listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components and materials could be selected without altering the scope of the invention.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A carrying case for an e-cigarette, comprising a case; said case providing a hollow compartment; a cap; said cap rotating around a hinge; said cap being held shut by a set of magnets.
 2. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the cap further provides a tab on its front surface, on of said set of magnets being located within said tab.
 3. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the case is sized and shaped to hold an e-cigarette or vape pen.
 4. The carrying case of claim 1 further comprising an external clip; said external clip providing tension to hold said case over a belt, pocket edge, or strap, or other clothing or accessories.
 5. The carrying case of claim 3 further comprising an external clip; said external clip providing tension to hold said case over a belt, pocket edge, or strap, or other clothing or accessories.
 6. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the case provides a rounded front surface and a flat rear surface.
 7. The carrying case of claim 3, wherein the case provides a rounded front surface and a flat rear surface.
 8. The carrying case of claim 5, wherein the case provides a rounded front surface and a flat rear surface.
 9. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the case is preferably manufactured from a rigid or semi-rigid, durable material with a shock absorbing quality, such as polystyrene or silicone.
 10. The carrying case of claim 9, wherein said case is covered on its external surface with a rigid or flexible, durable material with a decorative quality, such as leather, brushed nickel, stainless steel, or acrylic polymer.
 11. The carrying case of claim 9, wherein said case is covered on its external surface with a durable canvas or other fabric material.
 12. The carrying case of claim 11, wherein said durable canvas or other fabric material is lined with a relatively more rigid insert.
 13. The carrying case of claim 3, wherein the case is preferably manufactured from a rigid or semi-rigid, durable material with a shock absorbing quality, such as polystyrene or silicone.
 14. The carrying case of claim 13, wherein said case is covered on its external surface with a rigid or flexible, durable material with a decorative quality, such as leather, brushed nickel, stainless steel, or acrylic polymer.
 15. The carrying case of claim 13, wherein said case is covered on its external surface with a durable canvas or other fabric material.
 16. The carrying case of claim 15, wherein said durable canvas or other fabric material is lined with a relatively more rigid insert.
 17. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the clip is preferably manufactured from a semi-rigid, durable material such as spring steel.
 18. The carrying case of claim 3, wherein the clip is preferably manufactured from a semi-rigid, durable material such as spring steel. 